1. Intro.
The goal of this build is to have easy time in most of the game by facetanking the content, while still being able to clear everything reasonably fast. And also being very versatile in terms of which spell can be used. And this all for a small budget, with ability to get even better with more investment.

This build was originally made for witch, using necromancer ascendancy. After 3.2 update Necromancer was basically killed for anything else, but summoner. So now Scion is the class of choice for this build. Here is a link to the original build thread. If you are interested in the build, you might wanna check it out for all the info and answered questions, until i fully finish this guide.

This time i decided to go with Volatile Dead and Cremation self cast combo. So all the gear, gems and passives are mainly for those 2 spells. It can easily be modified to fit many other spells. Examples can be seen in original build thread.

2. Necessary things.

This is what you want to use for any spell scion or witch now. Rest of the gear may vary. For block, read Gear section.

All calculations and numbers in this build are for lvl 20 gems, unless otherwise pointed out.

Any item combination to get at least 70% spell block to get block cap with full gear.

And

3. Main Build Mechanics.

With Witch Ascendancy - Necromancer, Bone Offering also effects the caster. Allowing to get max block/spell block and life back on each block. Coupled with high hit points and life/mana regen, the build becomes very tanky.

Clarity lvl depends on how much life and mana is available. Have it at minimum of lvl 6. If current life x 3/7 < current unreserved mana, can lvl clarity until it is about equal. For Cloak of Defiance life x 4/6. The reson for this is to have as much HP pool available, as possible. In later stages mana regen is not an issue. Using Essence Worm and Clear Mind is not worth it, if you have good rare ring and 3 mod jewel. At the beginning of mapping mana problems may occur, then can lvl Clarity, until mana issues are solved. Later can be replaced with lower lvl one.

4. Gear.

My current gear

There are several ways to achieve max block on this build.

1st
The easiest is to use Rathpith + Rainbowstride and Rumi's Concoction with at least 18% block roll. Spell block depends on all items rolls. For example with 6% Rumi's roll a minimum of 70% spell block is needed.

The downside of this method is, that the capped block chance is dependent on flask uptime. This cannot be guaranteed in longer boss fights. And 1 flask slot is reserved for Rumi's.

2nd
Get more items with block chance. The build becomes harder to gear, but on the upside a permanent block cap of 78/78% can be reached.

so....what should i put into necromancer now? Apparently two effects have been taken out... All i have is mistress and commander of darkness and mistress was nerfed. was this a bad idea to pick this subside class?

so....what should i put into necromancer now? Apparently two effects have been taken out... All i have is mistress and commander of darkness and mistress was nerfed. was this a bad idea to pick this subside class?

U should not play necromancer:)

Else could take invocer or puppet master, would be good for using of animate guardian.

Yea I think that's what im going to try for. You said it costs money in chaos but if it works most of the time i have no problem with that. I'm trying to follow your your most recent passive tree for AG build and im a little confused....your actual character has points into minion specs....Should I be following the original scorching ray passive tree with AG? Also.... what gear are you still using for AG? Should i still follow your original thread on gear as well? As always... thanks again :)

Yea I think that's what im going to try for. You said it costs money in chaos but if it works most of the time i have no problem with that. I'm trying to follow your your most recent passive tree for AG build and im a little confused....your actual character has points into minion specs....Should I be following the original scorching ray passive tree with AG? Also.... what gear are you still using for AG? Should i still follow your original thread on gear as well? As always... thanks again :)

Minion nodes because of scourge. What i dont understand is, u want to play necromancer or rerolling as ascendant?

Well... I had already started this character and realized to little to late that I should have rolled with scion so I just kind of stuck it out so I went with necromancer as a witch. Now i'm trying to spec my trree and characters gear for AG. Basically I'm trying to follow your AG build with scorching ray but I'm also trying to make sure I'm doing the right guide with the correct passive tree and gear before I start spending a bunch of chaos.

Well... I had already started this character and realized to little to late that I should have rolled with scion so I just kind of stuck it out so I went with necromancer as a witch. Now i'm trying to spec my trree and characters gear for AG. Basically I'm trying to follow your AG build with scorching ray but I'm also trying to make sure I'm doing the right guide with the correct passive tree and gear before I start spending a bunch of chaos.

Ok. Yeah old tree is pretty much what u want to use. For witch nothing rly changed tree wise, only ascendancy minor change. Gear wise may want to use the new necessary stuff in scion thread for block/spell block. Otherwise nothing changed also.